Our Orchestras

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATIONS – K.O. KNUDSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Beginning Orchestra

Course Description: The BEGINNING Orchestra program at K.O. Knudson Middle School is comprised mostly of 6th graders and beginning - level players. Students focus solely on their particular instrument (Violin, Viola, Cello or Bass) and also develop beginning technical skills with their classmates and an atmosphere of teamwork. These classes start from scratch with everything including posture & position – how to hold the instrument and bow, music literacy – how to read music, intonation and tone production and how to play in tune with the best sound. We will also learn the history behind the music we play, and much more. These classes meet daily and focus on establishing and developing basic musical and performance skills. In order to retain the new and intricate skills learned in Beginning Orchestra, students are highly encouraged to take private lessons on their instrument.

Materials - String Basics Book 1, Smart Music, and Breezin' Thru Theory

Intermediate Orchestra

Course Description: The Intermediate Orchestra is comprised of students with one or more years of playing experience, in grades 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. In this orchestra, the students continue their musical development by learning new techniques, such as: development of style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability and tone inherent to string music performance. Students in Intermediate Orchestra may participate in the Solo & Ensemble Festival based on audition and approval by the director. It is highly encouraged for students in Intermediate Orchestra to take private lessons on their instrument for mastery of technique and skill.

Materials - String Basics Book 1, Smart Music, and Breezin' Thru Theory

PAWS Period

Course Description: This one-year course is open to all K.O. Knudson Middle School Orchestra students by audition, or placement by the director. It is designed for the student who has developed skills beyond those outlined in Intermediate Orchestra. This class is used as a practice class to get more individualized attention on components that need work. It includes further development of the skills necessary to become independent as a musician. The development of style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability, and tone inherent to string music performance will be explored at a higher level. Sustained group and individual effort is required. A progression of technical proficiency is expected. This is an elective course that may be repeated.

Advanced Orchestra

Course Description: The Advanced Orchestra is comprised of students with one or more years of playing experience, in grades 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. It is a one-year course and is open to all K.O. Knudson Middle School students by audition, or placement by the director. In this orchestra. Students continue their musical development by learning new techniques and faster, more complex rhythms. Students at this level are studying and further developing style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability, and tone inherent to string music performance, as well as shifting and vibrato. These skills will be explored at a higher level. Students may also elect to participate in Solo & Ensemble based on Audition for and approval of the director to further develop their individual musicianship. It is highly encouraged for students in Advanced Orchestra to take private lessons on their instrument for mastery of technique and skill.

Materials - String Basics Book 2, Smart Music, and Breezin' Thru Theory

Chamber Orchestra

The Chamber Orchestra is comprised of mostly 7th and 8th graders, admitted through audition or recommendation only by the director. Students in Chamber Orchestra must also be a member of Advanced Orchestra. This class will work toward competency in all major and minor two-octave scales, complex rhythms, vibrato, shifting and sight reading skills. These students show commitment to their orchestra by attending all scheduled rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts throughout the year while maintaining a disciplined practice routine. The main purpose is to be prepared for high school orchestra, so the expectation of practice and work ethic will be very high. Students will learn advanced techniques such as beginning 3 octave scales and arpeggios, as well as perform increasingly difficult music as the year progresses. Students will be challenged with upper-level literature that will refine their musicianship skills and overall playing technique. These members will also represent K.O. Knudson at Elementary tours, Retirement Tours, Instrument Days, as well as in the CCSD Orchestra Festival, and the ASTA Orchestra Festival. Chamber students are strongly encouraged to try out for Honor Orchestra, and Solo & Ensemble Festival as well. It is also highly recommended for all Chamber Orchestra students to take private lessons on their instrument.

Materials - Essentials for Strings, Smart Music, and Breezin' Thru Theory

Orchestra Club - (Orchestra Council - Orco)

Club Description: This group is open to all K. O. Knudson Orchestra students. Orchestra Club students assume leadership roles and responsibilities for all Orchestras.

Placement in these organizations will be determined by the Director based on several factors:

1. Playing Ability

2. Need for your instrument

3. General attitude and work ethic

4. Schedule availability

During the year, there will be Audition Playing Tests most Fridays. Students will be required to play the assigned excerpt with the required appropriate criteria. This can include: counting out loud, intonation, musicality, tone, memorization and other attributes necessary for superior performance level excerpts.

Following Instructions:

Leaders must also be excellent followers, and especially quick to follow instructions. Leaders take instruction as well as they give instruction; they are expected to follow directions and pass directions along conveying them in a positive way to the other members of the section. Leaders are the first to mark their parts when instructions are given, and they are good at following bowings and conducting gestures. The best leaders take positive ownership of their section, and they stay in front of the rehearsal by anticipating problems, often correcting bowings or other problems before the director can address them.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

Show interest in your child’s musical study.

Encourage your child to perform at home for family and friends.

Make home practice pleasant by providing good lighting, a straight-backed chair, and some form of music stand.

Help your child to set a regular practice schedule.

Encourage your child to take private lessons.

Help your child maintain his/her instrument in good working order.

Expose your child to all forms of music.

Feel free to contact the director regarding any questions or concerns you might have.